Many mixed emotions accompany this entry on our blog...we are entering the final days of our time here in Harmony, Pennsylvania.  Some days flew by, others not so much, but we have cherished the opportunity to be here and serve in such a sacred and beautiful place.

 We will miss the peace and serenity that we feel as we walk the roads that the prophet Joseph Smith and his lovely bride walked and planned their future as newlyweds.   We will miss reading a verse from the Book of Mormon in the room where it first fell from the lips of the prophet.  We will miss walking in the quiet grove where Joseph and Oliver went to pray and where John Baptist appeared in answer to their prayer and restored the priesthood of God to the earth.  We will miss the quiet ripple of the river where the first baptisms in the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times took place.  And we will miss the sweet spirit of all the people who have come and visited this site with a desire to strengthen their testimonies and draw closer to the Savior.  It's been an honor to know and serve them.

And we will miss the beautiful young sister missionaries that we have grown to know and love as if they were family.

                             


                               They truly have been our light here.

                             

We started the "B-Group" with these missionaries.  All of us have names that start with the letter B---Bells, Baantjer, Bingham, and Banners.  We may be the B-Group, but they are A+ missionaries!

  

We were blessed with the opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Temple a week ago with all of the missionaries who will be departing this month.

And while in Philadelphia we took advantage of the opportunity to see some historical sites...the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Redding Street market where, of course, we had to have a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.   

                                             

As we prepare to head home we had a little fun in the Isaac 

Hale home where we couldn't resist trying on some of the hats on display there.  Can't you just picture Emma Smith wearing this???

           

Her father, Isaac, was a hunter and would have worn a hat much like this.  It makes Dean look sooooo handsome, don't you think?

Thank you to all who have followed us through this journey.  We have felt your love, prayers and support.  You are dear to our hearts and we look forward to being together again soon.